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The bill would "halt major flood insurance premium increases" that took effect following the passage of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, according to a press release. This bill, called the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2013, overhauls most of the 2012 provisions of the National Flood Insurance Program. It was signed by President Barack Obama on Friday, March 21

The bill "prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency from: (1) increasing flood insurance risk premium rates to reflect the current risk of flood for certain property located in specified areas subject to a certain mandatory premium adjustment, or (2) reducing such subsidies for any property not insured by the flood insurance program as of July 6, 2012, or any policy that has lapsed in coverage as a result of the policyholder's deliberate choice (Pre-Flood Insurance Rate Map or pre-FIRM properties)," according to the release.

The bill also "prescribes procedures for expedited congressional consideration of legislation on FEMA affordability authorities and permits FEMA to enter into an agreement with another federal agency either to: (1) complete the affordability study, or (2) prepare the draft affordability framework," according to the release.

“This major news comes at a pivotal time for our residents still dealing with the stresses and complications following Storm Sandy," said Tetreau. "This bill, which is much fairer than the old one, has many positive elements, especially the halting of flood insurance premium increases that all of our town’s flood insurance owners simply cannot afford right now. I wish to thank our entire Connecticut delegation for voting in favor of this crucial bill.”

To see the bill in its entirety, residents are asked to go to
the U.S. Congress website
. For questions or further information on this bill, Fairfield residents are encouraged to contact U.S. Rep. Jim Himes’ aide, Amy Lappos, at Amy.Lappos@mail.house.gov or 866- 453-0028.